S*P*Y*S

What can I say? Reading the comments here, it seems no one liked S*P*Y*S-- but me. It tickled my funny bone. The improbable zany story and the antics of Sutherland and Gould hit home with me. I laughed my tail off. Truth is, I'm not that weird. I don't like everything that comes down the pike and if you're looking for something in the wake of the Vietnamese war-- and Canadian Sutherland and New Yorker Gould were both active protesters of that ghastly war-- that rebukes the folly of war, this piece works. Now, if you're looking for some higher form of art, you might want to direct your attention somewhere else. As for me, the ridiculous situations these two guys get into amused me greatly and I enjoyed this movie immensely. Check it out for yourself.

this movie is way underrated. i didn't have high expectations from the previous reviews I had read, my rental was based on the sheer fact I wanted to enjoy these two on screen again. however, I was pleasantly surprised and am still thinking about the dialog long after I watched. hilarious banter!!! and the music---if only i could find the song that plays during the credits(after Elliot and Donald are done singing). its awesome!!! My favorite scene is when the chase the dog and confront anyone who the dog runs up to. These guys don't play dumb, and neither does the conversation between them. Plus, there's not-so-bright french anarchists in the movie. now tell me this doesn't sound fantastic!!!!

It's been over 30 years since seeing this movie for the first time, and I can still feel the pain. This ranks right up there on my worst movie of all time list. And I am a Sutherland fan. I actually walked out of the theater the first time...and I was on a date! I recently gave it another try, thinking it couldn't possibly have been THAT bad. Nope. I was right the first time. Again, excruciating to watch. I know that they were probably trying to strike gold again by pairing Gould and Sutherland after they played so well together in MASH, but with a story as stupid as this even they can't pull it off. Do yourself a favor, and just re-watch MASH.

Second lead pairing of Elliot Gould and Donald Sutherland (Little Murders saw them together, but with Sutherland in a support role) after the wonderful MASH in what was meant to be some sort of funny spy spoof. Alas, there is no Altmann magic with SPYS and this one sinks like the proverbial stone.

They play a mismatched spy pair who are forced to bond when sold down the river by their various agencies and thereafter chase after some micro-dots. The two still appear to have a kind of improvisational energy, but the material they are dished up to deal with, wouldn't pass muster in an average Get Smart episode. I have to say that I'm surprised the usually very competent direction of Irvin Kershner seems to have gone completely walkabout during the making of this feature. Poorly choreographed and lit action and slapstick scenes! It's difficult to believe this is the same bloke who helmed The Empire Strikes Back 6 years later. SPYS is also lumbered with a terribly annoying musical soundtrack.

In terms of laughs most discerning viewers should find any of the Roger Moore Bond entries much more amusing. And as for spoofs, the later arriving Austin Powers or Johnny English (hell, even the Casino Royale with Peter Sellers) have it all over this clunker. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to see how SPYS was received at Cannes.

Unless you're an absolute die-hard fan of Donald and Elliott, then you might be able to tolerate this movie, but I bet everyone involved in it really regretted doing it. Just as much as you'll regret watching it. They certainly have a great chemistry, and there are a few laughs in spite of everything. My favorite scene is the last one, not only because the movie is over but because Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland's charm together really comes through. A last-ditch attempt to leave the audience with a smile, perhaps.